Heart Healthy Advice from the Peanut Love Guru

Are you lost in love? The Planters Peanut Love Guru can answer your questions about romance.

Q: I like this guy at work, but he's sorta shy. How do I get him to come out of his shell?

A: Who doesn't love the strong silent type? But first, you need to find out what's under the shell.

Try a workout invite. The two of you can go on a run around a romantic local lake or along a beach. If you're feeling more frisky, take him to a class that makes you look sexy: Zumba, hot yoga or salsa dancing. All those endorphins might make the world look rosy, and even a shy character may show his spots. A workout date shows something else: Your guy is smart enough to take care of his heart. According to the American Heart Association, exercising five days a week for 30 minutes a day is the road to cardiovascular fitness.1

Afterward, bond over the water bottles. And pass him a small bag of peanuts. Foods high in unsaturated fats are important for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. (In fact experts recommend substituting foods that are high in saturated fat with foods such as peanuts, which are high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat.) After your heart-to-heart, you should know if your shy guy is right for you.

Q: I'm in a fantastic relationship. Small problem: She's a vegan and I'm a caveman. Can we meat (pardon the pun) in the middle?

A: Culinary harmony can be a snap. The key? Live and let live. Honor her tree-huggin' ways with plenty of meat-free and dairy-free options. Swap your pork rinds for nutrient-dense peanuts.

And keep an open mind, caveman. If you took a walk on the veggie side, you'd know that peanuts deliver 7 grams of protein per serving. They're also trans-fat free.

Bottom line: You don't need to go hungry. And if you play your cards right, she'll have plenty of reasons to stay in your cave.

Q: My husband shares a beach house with his brother. They're crazy competitive. Any survival tips for my sanity?

A: A little competition can be a good thing. Why not channel it? Pick a nice prize—a dinner cruise, maybe—and set a healthy goal. The couple losing the most pounds or inches before the end of summer wins.

Afraid you and your hubby might fall behind? Snack (don't stack) the odds in your favor. Limit the empty calorie snacks and stock up on nutrient dense, nutritious options. Peanuts are a good start. They'll help satisfy your hunger. Plus, scientific evidence suggests that eating 1.5 ounces per day of most nuts, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. [See nutrition information for fat content].2

Throw in some swimming and a few runs on the beach, and you're on your way to losing pounds...and winning a nice dinner.

Be sure to check in on Mr. Peanut's Facebook page to let us know if you've found yourself a heart-healthy love!